Eyewitnesses reported smoke billowing from the property, which is managed by housing association Accent Peerless, shortly before midday.

The fire was initially attributed to an electrical fault in an external storage cupboard, which crews found "sparking" upon arrival.

However, a spokesman for Surrey Fire & Rescue Service said a subsequent investigation determined the blaze had likely been started deliberately.

Smoke coming from the roof (Image: Terry Glover)

The incident has since been handed over to Surrey Police for further investigation. The force said its officers wanted to hear from anyone who may have seen "suspicious activity" near the storage cupboard at the front of the property, which houses a number of utility meters.

Police also praised an "eagle-eyed tenant" for spotting the fire and quickly alerting the emergency services.

The 999 call was made at 12.06pm, but it was not until around 1pm that firefighters were able to gain access to the property having had to wait for Southern Gas Networks to shut off the electricity supply.

PC Hayden Barwick said: "This is the second time in as many months that property at the address has been targeted and it is lucky that the fire was spotted by an eagle-eyed tenant and could be extinguished before spreading.

"I am appealing for anyone who may have witnessed any unusual activity, or anyone acting suspiciously, to contact Surrey Police.

"This is an offence which could cause some danger and more widespread damage for residents nearby."

Fire crews from Camberley and Rushmoor attended the blaze (Image: James Chapple)

Brett Shea, watch commander from Camberley fire station, said the property - which is split into four flats - suffered damage to the ground floor cupboard and also smoke logging to an upstairs flat.